MLB Player News

Ohtani (knee) threw a 30-pitch live batting practice session Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

For the first time since making his last appearance as a pitcher July 3, Ohtani faced off against hitters in what marked a major milestone in his recovery from a lingering left knee issue and a more minor triceps injury. Manager Dave Roberts said afterward that Ohtani will likely need to throw one more live BP before getting cleared to pitch in games, but the two-way superstar doesn't seem to be too far away from doing so. Once he's eventually ready to start as a pitcher, Ohtani will likely be operating with a restricted workload and could need to be piggybacked.

Woo (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Woo was removed from his most recent start last Sunday against the Astros after experiencing soreness in his right shoulder. The Mariners skipped Woo's subsequent turn in the rotation, but he was able to throw a bullpen session Thursday and will repeat the activity Sunday. How he comes out of Sunday's session will determine when the Mariners slot him back into their rotation during the upcoming week, per Kramer.

Happ isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Seattle.

The switch-hitting Happ is slashing just .158/.229/.292 through 132 plate appearances against southpaws this season, so the Cubs will keep him on the bench Saturday while highly touted lefty Kade Anderson makes his MLB debut on the mound for the Mariners. Kevin Alcantara will start in left field and bat eighth.

Basallo isn't in the starting lineup versus Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Basallo returned Wednesday from a stint on the injured list caused by a shoulder injury and went 1-for-10 with three strikeouts while starting three straight days. He'll get a breather Saturday with Carlos Narvaez starting at catcher and Pete Alonso getting a day off his feet as the Orioles' DH.

Lawlar isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati.

Lawlar will get a breather Saturday after starting four straight games since his return from the injured list, going 3-for-15 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored. Lars Nootbaar, Ryan Waldschmidt and Corbin Carroll will start across the outfield with Lawlar on the bench.

Kepler isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.

Kepler's playing time has begun to dwindle recently, as he's started just four of Arizona's last 12 games, and that trend may continue now that Jordan Lawlar has returned from the injured list. Both players will begin Saturday's contest on the bench while Lars Nootbaar, Ryan Waldschmidt and Corbin Carroll form the D-backs' outfield trio.

Rodden isn't starting Saturday against the Cubs.

Rodden started seven straight contests at shortstop after getting called up Aug. 14, but he'll hit the bench Saturday despite holding his own with a .250/.321/.417 slash line and three RBI during his time in the big leagues so far. Leo Rivas is stepping in to start at shortstop Saturday.

Winn (thumb) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies.

Winn has missed out on the starting nine for each of St. Louis' last two contests due to thumb irritation, and although he's appeared in both games off the bench, he'll remain out of the lineup Saturday. JJ Wetherholt will slide over to shortstop as a result, giving Jose Fermin a start at the keystone.

Pena (hand) is batting leadoff and starting at shortstop against the Athletics on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena missed Houston's last two games after being hit on the hand by a pitch Wednesday, but he's feeling well enough to re-enter the lineup Saturday. Nick Allen started at shortstop while Pena was out, but he's back on the bench upon the latter's return.

Tovar isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Guardians.

Tovar will grab a seat on the bench Saturday after going 0-for-9 with three strikeouts and a sacrifice fly over his last five games. His absence will cause Cole Carrigg to move to shortstop while Zac Veen, Jake McCarthy and Mickey Moniak start across the outfield.